This volume examines the intersection of narco-crimes, forensic science, and national security, highlighting the role of forensic methodologies in the investigation of drug-related offences and organized criminal networks. It explores how forensic evidence can support the detection, analysis, and prosecution of narcotics-related crime, while contributing to a broader understanding of the security implications of illicit drug production and trafficking.

Drawing on perspectives from forensic science, criminology, law enforcement, public policy, and security studies, the volume addresses both the scientific and operational dimensions of narcotics control. It examines contemporary developments in drug analysis and forensic intelligence and considers their application to emerging challenges associated with synthetic drugs, clandestine laboratories, darknet marketplaces, and narco-terrorism. Through case studies and multidisciplinary perspectives, the book demonstrates the growing importance of forensic science in supporting investigations and disrupting illicit drug networks. 

The volume also considers legal, institutional, and policy responses to narcotics-related crime, emphasizing international cooperation and capacity building. In doing so, it reflects the objectives of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16 in relation to justice, security, and the reduction of illicit trafficking. Intended for forensic scientists, law-enforcement professionals, policymakers, and researchers, the book provides an interdisciplinary perspective on contemporary drug crime and its broader societal and security implications.

Dr. Sumit Kumar Choudhary is an emerging thought leader in Forensic Science with over 14 years of experience. A Gold Medalist from the National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science, New Delhi, he holds a Ph.D. in Forensic & Behavioural Science. He has served as a faculty member and Registrar at Rashtriya Raksha University and trained police officers, judges, and security personnel from over 10 countries. His contributions include developing SOPs for Crime Scene Photography and Videography for BPR&D and NABL Accreditation of fingerprint bureaus. A sought-after speaker, he has published over 45 research papers and received multiple awards, including the "Forensic Excellence Award – 2024" and "Best Academician Award – 2023."

Dr. Shobha Ahi is a Senior Research Fellow and Deputy Director of the Drug Control Centre at King’s Forensics. Holding a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, she specializes in detecting prohibited substances and identifying marker metabolites. With over 15 years in anti-doping science at a WADA-accredited lab, she has led research on dried blood spot analysis, drug metabolism, and supplement testing. She has supervised Ph.D. students, taught forensic science and toxicology, and authored over 35 scientific publications. An editorial board member and peer reviewer, her current research focuses on dried blood sample testing for anti-doping applications.

Simona Francese is a Professor of Forensic and Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry at Sheffield Hallam University and leads the Sheffield Multimodal Imaging Centre. Her pioneering work on molecular fingerprinting has led to collaborations with the UK Home Office, West Yorkshire Police, the Ministry of Defense, and the Netherlands Forensic Institute. With over 70 peer-reviewed publications and three edited books, she is a regular speaker at international conferences and has been featured by BBC and Reuters. Her research supports police and forensic providers in extracting intelligence from fingermarks and extends to clinical diagnostics with the NHS. She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and has received multiple awards for her impact.

Mr. Vinay Aseri is a Postgraduate Scholar at Rashtriya Raksha University, specializing in digital forensics for national security. He holds degrees in Forensic Science, IT Security, Internet Governance, and Forensic Photography. His expertise spans cybersecurity, blockchain, and drone technologies. An accomplished young researcher, he has published 44 Scopus-indexed papers, 24+ book chapters, and holds a German patent and an Indian copyright for nano bio-char research. He has presented at 22+ conferences globally and received awards including the Junior Researcher Award 2023. A member of ISOC, ACM, and IEEE, he has contributed to national projects, worked with the NIA, and reviews for leading journals.

Sudhanshu Shekher Tiwari is the Assistant Director (Narcotics) at the Directorate of Forensic Science and Laboratory, Ranchi, with over 8 years of experience. He has reported over 1000 NDPS cases in Jharkhand and frequently testifies in court. His career includes roles at IIT Mandi, NDTL New Delhi, LPU Punjab, and Rashtriya Raksha University. His research focuses on forensic chemistry, drug testing, and toxicology. He holds degrees in Chemistry and Forensic Science, cleared the UGC NET in 2015, and scored 8.5 on the IELTS. He was also recommended for the Indian Air Force (MET branch) in 2016.